Vertical pool

ABSTRACT

An exercise and therapy pool has a plurality of structural modules providing a tub bottom, an intermediate section connecting to and extending upwardly from the tub bottom and an upper section connecting to and extending upwardly from the intermediate section. The intermediate section additionally expands laterally from the tub bottom. The assembled modules provide a vertical depth sufficient for total vertical immersion of a user to the user&#39;s neck. The intermediate and upper section expand laterally sufficiently to accommodate the user in a horizontal swimming position. A removable liner for sealing the modules after assembly completes the pool. An equipment module is removably connected to the pool to provide water conditioning.

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority of the provisional applicationhaving Ser. No. 60/577,038 filed on Jun. 07, 2004 entitled VerticalPool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of spas and exercise poolsand, more particularly, to a pool having multiple assembly sections forease of transport and installation while providing sufficient verticaldepth for standing exercise/therapy for the user in addition to reclinerstyle spa jet hydrotherapy.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hydrotherapy and water buoyant exercise have been demonstrated to behighly effective for physically handicapped or elderly individuals aswell as those who are healthy and fit. Exercise and therapy in agentle-resistance medium, allowing for buoyancy, reduces imposed stresson muscles, joints and ligaments. Individuals with limited mobility dueto physical handicaps or injury, especially those confined to seated orsupine positions, are provided with improved blood flow to extremities,enhancement of healthy organ function and reduced muscle atrophy if suchexercise/therapy can be provided in a standing/vertical position. Manyindividuals suffering from disabilities or afflictions are discouragedfrom using public facilities or lack access to such facilities.

It is therefore desirable to provide a pool/spa system that is adaptableto home or alternate location installation on a temporary or permanentbasis.

It is further desirable that the pool/spa system provide sufficientdepth for vertical or standing exercise by the user.

If is also further desirable that the design of the pool/spa system ismodular for transport and installation to accommodate both therequirement for ease of installation and the desired vertical depth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an exercise and therapy pool having aplurality of structural modules providing a tub bottom, an intermediatesection connecting to and extending upwardly from the tub bottom and anupper section connecting to and extending upwardly from saidintermediate section. The intermediate section additionally expandslaterally from the tub bottom. The assembled modules provide a verticaldepth sufficient for total vertical immersion of a user to the user'sneck. The intermediate and upper section expand laterally sufficientlyto accommodate the user in a horizontal swimming position. A removableliner for sealing the modules after assembly completes the pool. Anequipment module is removably connected to the pool to provide waterconditioning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the vertical pool showinggeometric arrangement and features of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shownin FIG. 1 showing additional elements and features of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front section view of the embodiment of the invention shownin FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear partial section view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary installation arrangement for the embodiment ofthe invention disclosed,

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the edge coping on the sidewall of the poolin the disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a detailed section view of the joint connections employed forthe pool structural elements;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of the overflow system and equipment moduleplumbing; and,

FIG. 9 is a partial end section view of the pool showing additionalfeatures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pool which conforms to the body size,arm span, length and reach of a large adult. The design allows oneperson to exercise vertically by treading water or do simple leg and armmovements while standing with buoyant support. In the embodiment shownin the drawings, a large adult can stand on the bottom of the pool withthe water at neck level having adequate clearance for full arm motion tothe side, front and rear. Additionally, the user is able to swim inplace horizontally using a restricting belt attached tether. Spafeatures of the pool allow two adults to semi-recline in chaise seatingfor jet therapy to the shoulders, back and legs using fixed or flexibleplug-in jets.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a top view of a pool 10,providing a current embodiment of the invention, having a first deep orvertical portion 12 with an upper profile having a substantiallysemi-circular end 14 transitioning into a substantially rectangularmid-portion 16 and end portion 18. For certain embodiments, the wallsare shaped with integrated curvature to enhance structural strength ofthe pool wall in the mid-portion. The end portion incorporatessemi-reclining chaises 20 with an intermediate horizontal foot kick andentry area 22. An equipment module 24 interfaces an end wall of the endportion to encase spa operating systems, as will be described in greaterdetail subsequently, and provides entry steps 26. As shown in the topview of FIG. 1, the profile of the vertical portion of the pooltransitions from the semi-circular horseshoe shape to a rectangularbottom to accommodate additional features to be described. Thisembodiment provides effective geometrical transition; however,alternative shaping is employed in alternative embodiments. The depth,shape and orientation of the pool elements inherently provides for fullrange of motion for the arms and legs of an adult in either a verticalor horizontal position in the pool and still allows for use of the poolas a conventional reclining spa with the chaise seating.

FIG. 2 provides additional geometric definition of the elements of thepresent embodiment while demonstrating the modular component compositionof the invention. The vertical pool of the present invention isconstructed as a multi-piece unit which incorporates sections that willindividually fit through conventional residential doorways to allowaccess for installation of the pool in difficult locations such as lowerlevels and small back yards where a large one-piece unit could not beaccommodated.

As shown, a bottom section tub 28 forms the lower portion of thevertical section. A middle section 30 provides geometrical transitionfrom the bottom section tub and provides a substantially flat base 32for the chaise seating and horizontal foot kick entry area in the endportion. For the embodiment shown, the middle section includes fourelements as will be described in greater detail subsequently. A topsection 34 is fitted over the middle section and incorporates a coping36, described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6, on which aninsulated cover 38 is removably mountable.

Additionally, an adjustable trapeze 40 with supporting posts 42 ismounted into receiving ports 44 in the upper section to be positionedover the bottom section tub for attachment of support apparatus or to begrasped overhead by an occupant standing vertically in the pool. Inalternative embodiments, the receiving ports are slotted to allowhorizontal adjustment of the position of the trapeze posts for optimumuse of the vertical depth and horizontal length of the pool in therapytreatment. The posts 42 are telescoping for height adjustment of thetrapeze. The trapeze provides for attachment of lines to a vest orharness to support a user's weight in addition to the buoyancy providedby the water if desired. Further, anklets or booties with tethered linesengaged through pulleys affixed to the sidewalls of the pool allow thelegs to be propelled in a walking style motion stimulating blood flowand reducing muscle atrophy. If accomplished by the user operating thetethers in the pool, simultaneous exercise of the arms and shoulders ina back and forth motion is provided. The trapeze bar allows additionalexercise options through suspension in a harness with staggered loops invarious locations about the body for multiple postures and positions.

For the embodiment shown, lift foot sleeves 46 are integrated into themiddle section under the chaise seat elements to engage extended feet orsupport arms of a lifting device such as a Hoyer lift for use withdisabled patients. The filled weight of the pool and upper sectionprovide massive inertial support for the lift. An adjustable floorplatform 48 is housed within the bottom section tub for adjustment tothe user's height, as desired. In various embodiments, the floorplatform is adjustable using an underlying scissor lift arrangement orvertically spaced step supports protruding from the walls of the tub.Alternatively, the floor platform is supported by four telescopingcorner posts with a common central screw adjustment.

An overflow reservoir 50 is covered by or integral with one of thechaises to provide automatic level control for the pool depending on thenumber of occupants. The flow path and pumping are describedsubsequently with respect to FIG. 8. The space provided under the secondchaise allows attachment of the equipment module and a control centerfor the pool operating systems or, in alternative embodiments, housesthe equipment module. The identical sizing of the chambers provided bythe chaises allows interchangeability of the chambers for the overflowreservoir and equipment module/control center depending on theparticular site location for the pool.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show front and rear views, respectively, of the presentembodiment demonstrating the geometrical configuration and transitionsbetween the sections. The modular nature of the structural components ofthe pool allows sections prior to assembly that will individually fitthrough conventional residential doorways to access difficult locationssuch as lower levels and small back yards where a large one-piece unitcould not be moved. For the embodiment shown, the modular elements donot exceed 90″ in length, 44″ in width and 30″ in height and can benested for packaging and shipment within those dimensions. A pool withdimensions of 6′ across the flat base, 9′ from the semi-circular end toend wall with a total vertical depth of 6′ is created by the assembledelements. For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the upper sectionmodules include two halves 34 a and 34 b of the radiused section withtwo straight sections 34 c and 34 d extending to the rear of the pool(34 c shown in the section view of FIG. 2 and 34 d opposite). A backplate 34 e completes the upper section. The middle section incorporatesfour modules, a front section 30 a, two side sections 30 b and 30 c (30c shown in the section view of FIG. 2 and 30 b opposite) and an endsection 30 d.

FIG. 5 demonstrates one installation embodiment for the presentinvention. Mounting on the pool is accomplished on a sloping surfacesuch as a hillside or associated with a second floor deck arrangement ina residence or building. The pool 10 is supported under the bottomsection tub 28 by a vertical column 52 while the flat base 32 of themiddle section rests upon a deck 54 or other horizontal structuralfeature. Entry to the pool is accomplished from the deck withappropriate safety elements such as a railing 56 extending from thebuilding or residence structure 58.

The arrangement of the vertical pool structural elements allows oneprimary weight bearing support to be provided by the column with astabilizing support for the non-symmetrical geometric extension of thepool. FIG. 5 depicts the pool supported on the column with the deckextending only under the flat base. In alternative embodiments, the deckstructure extends around the entire pool for access by attendants, ifrequired to support the user. Note that the deck is not required tosupport the entire filled weight of the pool as with most conventionalspa arrangements thereby simplifying the structural requirements of thedeck. While depicted as a column in the embodiment in FIG. 5, thesupport of the bottom section tub can be provided by a recessed subflooror concrete pad.

The shape of the pool constructed from the modular components describedproved for stable in-ground or in-floor installations with minimumdisplacement of soil to accommodate the tub and part of the middlesection. The hole or clearance required is 5′ by 2′ at the top taperingto about 4′ by 2′ at the bottom by 3′ deep. The flat base sits on theground or floor leaving 3′ above grade. The tapered sides and end of theinvention in the embodiment shown allow for the foot room of atherapist/parent/guardian standing against the pool and reaching in toassist the user. The front of the therapist's upper thighs can then pushagainst the pool for leverage assisting the user, buoyantly supported tohis neck in the pool, without requiring the therapist to become wet.

The modular structural components of the pool are capped by a coping 36as shown in FIG. 6. The top edge 60 of the top section elements isshaped to receive or be inserted into the coping to provide a sealed topsurface. For the embodiment shown, the coping also provides theperipheral engagement for a single piece liner 62 for the inside of thepool. The liner precludes leaks from the pool and is removable forcleaning or replacement if punctured. Changeable liners allow patientswith special medicinal needs to use additives, such as salt or otherremedial medicaments without damaging the surfaces of the modularstructural elements of the pool. After treatment, the liner can bereplaced or cleaned and reinserted, and the pool restored toconventional use.

The coping incorporates a scalloped edge 64 which rolls nominalturbulence back into the pool without letting water splash out as incurrent spa designs. Additionally, the scalloped edge provides a meansfor retaining the insulated cover by providing a lip over the cover forrestraint in normal wind conditions. The shape also allows rope lighting66 to be mounted out of sight for illumination of the pool.

Structural interconnection and support of the modular components of thepool is accomplished using joints as disclosed in FIG. 7. Eachhorizontal seam between components incorporates an interlocking moiety70 which includes a notched tongue 72 depending from the wall of theupper component 74 received by a notched cheek 76 extending from thelower component 78. A circumferential recess 80 receives a steel belt 82as a tensioning component around the circumference of the joint forstructural support and inward compression of the cheek to engage thetongue. The structure of the modular components for the pool is shownfor this embodiment as a composite construction having a foam core 84with inner wall 86 and outer wall 88 of rotationally molded plastic.Alternative embodiments employ fiberglass or other fiber reinforcedstructural material.

Vertical seams in the modular components employ an interlocking channelstructure receiving a mating insert, which for the embodiment shown iswedge shaped to expand the elements upon insertion to forcibly urge thetongue portion of the horizontal engagement moieties into the receivingcheek portions allowing tension engagement of the circumference by thesteel strap.

Referring to FIG. 8, the top section incorporates at least one overflowport 90 which directs water exceeding the designated water level, due toadditional persons in the pool or wave action due to vigorous activity,to the overflow reservoir 50. The reservoir is covered by or integrallyfabricated into one or both of the chaise seats thereby employingotherwise wasted volume within the pool's useful form factor. Theoverflow port is ducted to the reservoir using metal or plastic pipingto an inlet port 92. An outlet port 94 in the reservoir is ductedthrough a return pump 96 to the pool. In the embodiment shown, a floatswitch 98 is employed to activate the return pump. A second float switch100 in the reservoir is employed as a safety shut-off rerouter for thepump upon exhausting the available water from the reservoir to avoidpump damage. Electrically activated solenoid valves 102 a and 102 bautomatically provide for cross flow control.

The return pump is housed in the removable equipment module 24. Byemploying additional cross flow arrangements with solenoid actuatedvalves 104 a for spa jets, 104 b for upper return and 104 c for lowerreturn, the pump is employed for circulation of the pool water forfiltration. Draining water from the pool for cleaning or disassembly isaccomplished using valve 104 d. Valve 104 e prevents recirculating flowfrom entering the overflow tank when upper return circulation isemployed. Additional water accessories as will be described with respectto FIG. 9 may be attached into the water circulation system throughvalve 104 f. A filtration and heating system 106 is incorporated in themodule for control of the temperature and cleanliness of the pool water.A controller 108 provides manual and automatic control for the variousflow and heating functions. For the embodiment shown, the equipmentmodule is removable and replaceable as a combined system to precludedowntime due to component failure thereby avoiding impact topatients/users who have become dependent on the therapeutic value of thepool system. Unclipping the equipment module/steps on either side, usingfasteners 110 allows access to flexible plumbing lines fordisconnection. The module can then be removed and immediately replacedwith an alternate unit and the pool returned to service. The module canthen be examined and repaired as a whole unit thereby diagnosing any andall potential failure points in the system simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 9, the present invention incorporates additionalfeatures for the comfort and utility of the pool system as well asaesthetic quality of the system. Seating in chaise seating located inthe pool flat base portion is limited. By use of novel edge supportedseats 112 the deep vertical section of the pool over the tub bottom canbe used added for seating. The edge support seats include a seat bottom114 extending from a seat back structure 116 which depends from asubstantially U-shaped hook arrangement 118 received over the coping 36.For the embodiment shown, the hook arrangement includes a lock element120 received under the coping to prevent inadvertent lifting of the seatand resulting disengagement of the hook arrangement from the coping. Inalternative embodiments, the coping is sculpted to specifically receivethe attachment hooks.

Additionally, a waterfall attachment 122 or other over the surface waterrecirculation device is received over the coping and attached to theplumbing of the water circulation system in the pool, previouslydescribed with respect to FIG. 8, to provide a visual enhancement for apleasing view from the pool seating. The waterfall attachment for theembodiment shown also utilizes a substantially U-shaped attachmentbracket 124 to allow placement at any desired location on the copingover the semi-circular end of the pool. Piping 126 allows water inletinto the waterfall. The coping shape allows plumbing for the waterfallto be routed out of view to an attachment point for the accessory valveas previously described. Similarly, a fountain attachment is provided inalternative embodiments for use with the pool occupied or unoccupied toprovide aeration of the recirculating pool water. The detachablearrangement of the waterfall allows it to be placed at a desiredlocation on the edge of the pool for reentry of the circulating water atany point to facilitate flow or to provide gentle rippling effects inthe water less vigorous than normal spa jets.

Having now described the invention in detail as required by the patentstatutes, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications andsubstitutions to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Suchmodifications are within the scope and intent of the present inventionas defined in the following claims.

1. An exercise and therapy pool comprising: a plurality of structural modules providing a tub bottom, an intermediate section connecting to and extending upwardly from the tub bottom, said intermediate section additionally expanding laterally from said tub bottom, an upper section connecting to and extending upwardly from said intermediate section, said assembled modules providing a vertical depth sufficient for total vertical immersion of a user to the user's neck and said intermediate and upper section expanding laterally sufficiently to accommodate the user in a horizontal swimming position; and, means for sealing the modules after assembly.
 2. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 1 wherein the sealing means comprises a liner.
 3. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the lateral expansion of the intermediate section provides a substantially flat base.
 4. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 1 further comprising an equipment module removably connected to provide water conditioning for the pool.
 5. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least one chaise seat extending from the flat base.
 6. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 5 further comprising an overflow reservoir within the chaise seat and connected to an overflow port in the upper section.
 7. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 1 further comprising a coping connected to and extending from the upper section, said coping having a profile curved inwardly from the periphery of the upper section to direct water displaced by nominal wave action back into the pool.
 8. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 7 wherein the coping further incorporates rope lighting within the curved profile.
 9. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 5 further comprising a second chaise seat positioned in space relation from the at least one chaise seat to provide a horizontal kick area the depth of the intermediate and upper sections above the flat base.
 10. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 6 further comprising means for pumping water received in the overflow reservoir back into the pool.
 11. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 3 wherein the flat base incorporates means for receiving supports for a Hoyer lift.
 12. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 1 further comprising a trapeze bar extending from the upper section substantially vertically over the tub bottom.
 13. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 1 further comprising a movable floor in the tub bottom for adjusting the vertical depth of the pool.
 14. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 1 wherein the intermediate section comprises a second plurality of separate modules for assembly and further comprising engagement moieties integrated with at least a portion of the second plurality of separate modules for interengagement of mating moieties on the tub bottom.
 15. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 14 wherein the upper section comprises a third plurality of separate modules for assembly and further comprising engagement moieties integrated with the third plurality of separate modules for engagement of mating moieties on the second plurality of separate modules.
 16. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 15 wherein the second and third plurality of separate modules each incorporate exterior recesses proximate the engagement moieties and further comprising tension bands circumferentially received within the recesses.
 17. An exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 4 wherein the equipment module incorporates integrated entry steps.
 18. An exercise therapy pool as defined in claim 7 further comprising an over the surface flow recirculating device positionable at a desired point on the coping, a feed line for the flow recirculating device positionable within the curved profile of the coping.
 19. A method for installing a modular exercise and therapy pool comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of structural modules including a tub bottom, an intermediate section, said intermediate section additionally expanding laterally from said tub bottom, and an upper section, connecting the intermediate section to and extending upwardly from the tub bottom, connecting the upper section to and extending upwardly from said intermediate section, said assembled modules providing a vertical depth sufficient for total vertical immersion of a user to the user's neck, inserting a liner in the assembled sections, and, attaching a removable equipment module to the assembled sections for water conditioning.
 20. A method for installing a modular exercise and therapy pool as defined in claim 19 further comprising the steps of: mounting the tub bottom on a support column, and mounting the flat base on a horizontal deck. 